The scope of the next government’s ambition for the Energiewende depends on the constellation of its coalition although the shift to a renewables-based economy is not at stake. In an interview with Clean Energy Wire, I talk about controversial issues, voter mobilization and red lines. Continue Reading

In April 2017, the Heinrich-Böll-Foundation published the study German Greens in Coalition Governments, in which I analyze the experiences of the German Green party in state governments. Over the course of 2017 I will work on an updated second edition which will take into account recent changes in state coalitions as well as the likely formation of the so-called Jamaica coalition in Berlin and its implications for the Green Party’s internal coordination structures between the state and federal level. In addition, I am working on a new study which focuses on the impact of the Green party in environmental policy-making.Continue Reading

When Germans cast their vote in the national elections on September 24 they will also be deciding on the direction of the country’s energy policy. With elections looming, Merkel’s flagship energy policy faces its greatest threat yet. I explore the possible outcomes here Continue Reading

Citizen energy is the big winner. This is the surprising result of Germany’s first auction for onshore wind power. 9 out of 10 successful bids came from citizens and energy cooperatives, not from utilities. The outcome highlights what makes Germany’s energy transition, the Energiewende, unique in an international comparison. Continue Reading